More than 60 million Americans get their water from sources contaminated with elevated levels of nitrate pollution, which is most likely coming from agricultural manure or fertilizer runoff, according to a new analysis. The report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) used federal drinking water data and found that roughly 6,114 US water systems that […]
Environment
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: An environmental art exhibition at Grand View University combines the cosmic and down-to-earth
The exhibition “GAIA II: The Pale Blue Dot” begins a month-long run at Des Moines’ Grand View University on Monday, Oct. 20. A beguiling blend of expressive imagery and compelling messaging, celebrated artist Mary Kline-Misol and conservationist Christine A. Curry join forces to create an immersive, thought-provoking climate crisis dialogue anchored by complex paintings. Kline-Misol […]
Posted inStatewide
Clean energy tax cuts in reconciliation bill would stall renewable energy projects in Iowa
Clean energy advocates said Iowa stands to lose jobs, manufacturing facilities, renewable energy project expansions and face more expensive utility bills if Congress passes the budget reconciliation bill as is. Many of these credits were extended via the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, which put them under attack from Republican lawmakers opposed to the green policies. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Lawsuit challenges Reynolds’ authority in rulemaking process
A group of Iowans is suing the State of Iowa, alleging Gov. Kim Reynolds has no authority to require agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources to adopt regulations that are less burdensome on industry. The lawsuit was filed recently in Polk County District Court by Steve Veysey, a fly fisherman and clean water […]
Posted inCommunity/News
No vote on bill protecting pesticide manufacturers from cancer lawsuits as Iowa House Republicans balk
The Iowa House will not vote on a bill passed by the Senate that would have provided new protections against lawsuits for corporations that produce pesticides, Speaker Pat Grassley said on Thursday. Even though Republicans control 67 of the 100 seats in the House, there was not enough support for the bill to guarantee passage. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
EPA confirms additions to Iowa’s impaired waters list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency affirmed its November decision to add seven additional segments to Iowa’s list of impaired waters, following a public comment period. EPA announced in November it had partially approved the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ assessment of surface water quality in the state and called for the inclusion of additional segments […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa Utilities Board approves permit for controversial Summit pipeline
The Iowa Utilities Board gave its approval Tuesday for the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, and for the company to use eminent domain to acquire landowners’ property. The company hopes to begin construction next year with the goal of making the pipeline operational in 2026. The pipeline, which would be the largest of its kind […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Gov. Reynolds thanks AG Bird for suing the Biden administration to stop new greenhouse gas reporting requirements
On Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a news release praising Attorney General Brenna Bird’s work to overturn Biden administration rules that would inform the public about the amount of greenhouse gases being produced by large corporations. Reynolds called President Biden “a radical climate alarmist” because the Securities and Exchange Commission issued new rules last month […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘Suspicious fire’ damages Iowa’s largest sycamore; Gov. Reynolds’ opposition to CAFO rules threatens waterways
Iowa’s largest sycamore tree, which is located in a state park near Burlington, was severely damaged by a “suspicious fire,” the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said in a news release on Thursday. It’s not known if the tree, estimated to be about 350 years old, will survive. According to the DNR, a visitor […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Grab a camera — the City Nature Challenge is coming to Iowa City for the first time
What began as a way for scientists to tap into the (mostly) friendly rivalry between Los Angeles and San Francisco is now an international event, and this year Iowa City is joining the City Nature Challenge. The challenge is open to anyone who will be going outside this weekend and is willing to take a […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photo Gallery: The pelicans’ not-so-brief stop in Iowa City
A flock of tourists have stopped in Iowa City to enjoy the local cuisine and scenery. Clad in white and orange, hundreds of American white pelicans are swimming up and down the Iowa River during a break in the migration from their winter habitat on the Gulf Coast to their summer habitat in Minnesota and […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘Change is coming,’ Greta Thunberg tells crowd of thousands at the Iowa City Student Climate Strike rally
First came squeals from people near the stage, then a roar of cheers. The crowd of more than 3,000 gathered at the intersection of Dubuque Street and Iowa Avenue Friday afternoon for the Iowa City Student Climate Strike rally, quickly switched to a chant of “Greta! Greta! Greta!” as the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg took the stage. She was joined by students who, inspired by her work, have led
